DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Good News

Rotary International Honours Ex-Nestlé MD Osunkeye for Polio Eradication Efforts

From The Punch · (12h ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Rotary International honored Nigerian philanthropist Olusegun Osunkeye with its "Service Above Self" award for his contributions to polio eradication.
  • Osunkeye, a former Nestlé MD, has dedicated over 50 years to humanitarian service and is the highest individual donor to polio eradication initiatives in Rotary District 9111.
  • The award recognizes Rotary's global efforts to eradicate polio, which have significantly reduced cases worldwide, particularly in Africa.

Rotary International has bestowed its highest individual honor, the "Service Above Self" recognition, upon Nigerian philanthropist and corporate statesman, Olusegun Osunkeye. This prestigious award celebrates Osunkeye's decades-long dedication to polio eradication and broader humanitarian service, a cause deeply resonant within Nigeria and across Africa.

Chief Osunkeye’s remarkable strides in service to humanity… are legacies worth celebrating.

— District Governor Prince Henry AkinyelePraising Osunkeye's long-standing commitment to humanitarian service upon presenting the award.

Osunkeye's commitment, spanning over 50 years, is not merely symbolic. He stands as the highest single individual donor to polio eradication initiatives within Rotary District 9111, demonstrating a profound personal investment in safeguarding public health. This honor is particularly significant given Rotary International's pivotal role, alongside global partners like the WHO and UNICEF, in the Polioplus program, which has dramatically reduced polio cases worldwide.

I accept this award, not as a personal achievement but as a recognition of the efforts of those who have journeyed with me.

— Olusegun OsunkeyeIn his acceptance speech, attributing the honor to collective effort.

The success in eradicating wild poliovirus from Africa in 2020 is a monumental achievement, built on sustained vaccination campaigns and vigilant surveillance. Nigerian Rotarians, including figures like Osunkeye, have been at the forefront of these efforts, contributing to protecting millions of children from this debilitating disease through immunisation drives, outreach, and health infrastructure support.

Service to humanity is no longer optional; it is an important imperative.

— Olusegun OsunkeyeStating his belief in the essential nature of humanitarian work.

From a Nigerian perspective, this award is a moment of pride, highlighting the impactful contributions of our citizens on the global stage. Osunkeye's acceptance speech, emphasizing that the honor belongs to all who supported him and that service to humanity is an imperative, reflects a humble yet powerful message. It underscores the spirit of collective action and the enduring importance of humanitarian endeavors in addressing global challenges, a value deeply cherished in our communities. This recognition shines a light on the vital work being done within Nigeria to improve lives and eradicate disease.

African Rotarians must continue to push their weight amongst the global community of Rotarians.

— Past District Governor Rotarian Francisco SsemwangaUrging African Rotarians to strengthen their global influence and ensure accountability.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog